There is no single best streaming service for every US viewer. Tom’s Guide named HBO Max its one-service pick in a report published September 6, 2026, citing its library, originals and some live sports. That is an editorial recommendation, not a universal result: the best choice depends on the shows, films or sports you watch and what your household needs.
Which streaming service is best?
If you can pay for only one service, HBO Max is Tom’s Guide’s September 2026 editorial pick. Netflix is a familiar broad-catalog option; Disney+/Hulu may suit households looking for a mix of libraries and family viewing; and Apple TV is positioned for viewers who prefer a smaller slate of acclaimed originals. These are useful starting points, not guarantees that a service has the titles you want today.
As Tom’s Guide’s Rory Mellon wrote on September 6, 2026: “Overall, there is no perfect streaming service. Each platform has its strengths and areas for improvement.” Catalogs and sports rights change, so check the current lineup before subscribing.
How to choose the service that fits your household
Start with the programs, sports or film library you actually want. Exclusive titles can make one service the only practical choice for a particular show. Then weigh the ongoing cost against the plan’s limits and your household’s viewing habits.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Content: Check whether the films, series, documentaries or live events you care about are available now.
- Total recurring cost: Compare the full monthly or annual commitment, including bundles and add-ons, rather than judging a service by its entry price.
- Advertising: Confirm whether the plan includes ads and whether an ad-free option is available.
- Household access: Check how many people or devices can watch under the plan and any applicable sharing rules.
- Picture quality: Verify whether the plan and your equipment support the HD or 4K quality you want.
- Travel viewing: If you watch offline, check whether downloads are supported and what restrictions apply.
- Live programming: Decide whether you need live sports or channels, or mainly on-demand viewing.
How the major services differ
| Service or option | May suit viewers who want | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| HBO Max | A broad library, originals and some live sports; Tom’s Guide’s September 2026 report names it as its one-service pick. | Whether its current catalog and included live content match your interests. The pick is editorial, not an objective ranking. |
| Netflix | A familiar broad selection of programs and originals. | Its current catalog: the report notes both library strengths and weaknesses, and titles change over time. |
| Disney+/Hulu | Different libraries and bundle choices for a household seeking broad viewing options. | Whether a bundle is better value for the specific services and plan features your household needs. |
| Apple TV | A smaller slate of originals, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. | Current pricing; the two cited Tom’s Guide price reports give inconsistent Apple TV figures. |
| Peacock | NBCUniversal programming, including reality content highlighted in the September report. | Plan limits and catalog access, since some tiers may have a limited selection. |
| Prime Video | Video viewing for someone who already has Amazon Prime, or a standalone video plan. | Whether the relevant option is included with Prime or paid separately, and what any ad-free option costs. A Prime membership is broader than a standalone video subscription. |
| YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV | People considering a live-TV replacement rather than an on-demand library alone. | Current channel lineups and prices; the cited comparison does not establish a precise current comparison. |
| Pluto TV | Casual or background viewing without a paid subscription. | Current availability and catalog, which can change. |
What do streaming services cost in 2026?
Tom’s Guide’s September 6, 2026 comparison reported these monthly entry prices. They are dated secondary-source snapshots, not a reconciled official price list; plan names, features, billing options, bundle eligibility and prices can vary or change.
| Service | Reported monthly entry price | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $8.99 | Entry price reported by Tom’s Guide in its September 6, 2026 comparison; verify the current plan and features with Netflix. |
| HBO Max | $10.99 | Entry price reported by Tom’s Guide in its September 6, 2026 comparison; verify the current plan and features with the provider. |
| Disney+/Hulu | $11.99 | Entry price reported by Tom’s Guide in its September 6, 2026 comparison. A separate 2026 Tom’s Guide price guide also reports bundle prices of $12.99 with ads and $19.99 without ads; confirm current options and eligibility. |
| Paramount+ | $8.99 | Entry price reported by Tom’s Guide in its September 6, 2026 comparison; another 2026 guide describes distinct plans. Confirm which plan and features the price covers. |
| Peacock | $7.99 | Entry price reported by Tom’s Guide in its September 6, 2026 comparison; another 2026 guide describes distinct plans. Confirm catalog access and current terms. |
| Prime Video | $8.99 standalone, or included with Amazon Prime at $14.99 per month | Figures reported by Tom’s Guide in its September 6, 2026 comparison. The Prime membership includes more than video; verify current membership and standalone terms with Amazon. |
| Apple TV | Not consistently established | Tom’s Guide’s September 6 comparison says its price rose to $14.99 after an earlier $12.99 reference, while a separate 2026 price guide differs. Check the current provider price rather than treating either figure as settled. |
Tom’s Guide also reported that new US prices took effect for Disney+ on August 20, 2026, and Hulu on September 23, 2026. Those notices do not establish the detailed plan amounts or features here. Confirm current terms directly with each provider before subscribing.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What is the best streaming service for the money?
There is no reliable universal cost winner in the available price snapshots: the services have different libraries, plan features and bundle arrangements, and the reported figures are not a like-for-like official comparison. For value, compare what your household would actually watch against the complete recurring bill, including any bundle you would otherwise buy. A low entry price is less useful if the plan omits the content or features you need.
Tom’s Guide reported that more than 35% of respondents to its June 2026 streaming survey said they pay more than $60 a month for streaming. This is a publisher-reported survey result; its methodology is not established here, so it should not be read as a nationally representative estimate.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Do you need a streaming device?
Not necessarily. If your television already supports the apps you want, a separate player may not be needed. If it does not, a streaming device can add app access; compatibility information lists Amazon Fire TV among platforms supported by multiple services. That does not establish that a particular Fire TV model is necessary or best, and a device does not include streaming subscriptions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
